Books by Craftie Ladies

Thursday, February 23, 2012

When Writers Gather

Debby (L) visits with Love Inspired author Missy Tippens (R)

Debby Giusti here!

Ever wonder where writers meet and what they talk about when they get together? Often they gather at local or regional writers' meetings. Last Saturday, I joined with other members of my Georgia Romance Writers' chapter for our monthly get-together and presentation.

We arrive at 9 AM for breakfast at an Atlanta-area hotel, and a business meeting follows the meal. Our chapter president shares information on upcoming events, and board members discuss various projects with which GRW is involved.

A regular part of the format is when we share good news. The sale of a book, writing awards, even rejections are celebrated. How can a rejection be good news? Because it means the member is submitting his or her work to editors and agents. Just because a story didn't sell this time, doesn't mean it won't the next time, and as we all know, a manuscript can't sell if it hasn't been submitted.

On Saturday, Author Jana Oliver presented a fun and thought-provoking program entitled, "The Best and Worst Advice I've Ever Received." She laced her presentation with plenty of humor and even gave the audience a chance to share advice they had been given over the years. Jana closed with the following challenge: Trust the gift, the story, the characters and yourself.

Missy (far R) and Susan Carlisle get ready for the book signing.

A book signing ends the formal meeting, and by 1:30 PM, folks were heading back to their families and their computers. Next month, we'll spend another morning together, talking about books and publishing. Stop by if you're in Atlanta!

Welcome

Craftie stands for Christian Romance Authors of Faith-based Tales of Inspiring Everafters. We are so thrilled to have you join us. We are many of the authors from Harlequin's Christian-fiction Love Inspired Imprints. We've been putting Christian romances in your hands since 1997. If you're looking for friends, family, faith, and fiction then settle back, get to know us and our books, and basically join in and have a good time.

June Releases

The Cowboy's Homecoming by Carolyne Aarsen (LI); A Rancher for Their Mom by Leann Harris (LI); Her Convenient Cowboy by Lacy Williams(LIH); The Texan's Twin Blessings by Rhonda Gibson (LIH); Family of her Dreams by Keli Gwyn (LIH); Security Breach by Margaret Daley (LIS)